LAVC Awarded $657,538 NSF Grant to Launch Cybersecurity Career Pathway

Los Angeles Valley College (LAVC) has been awarded a $657,538 grant from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) to establish "A Pathway to Cybersecurity Careers in California." This new initiative will develop a comprehensive curriculum and training program to address the urgent demand for skilled cybersecurity technicians in the state.

"I am excited that the National Science Foundation is supporting LA Valley College to expand our cybersecurity program given the local, state, and national significance and the estimated 36% of cybersecurity jobs are currently unfilled in California," said Dr. Barry Gribbons, president of Los Angeles Valley College.

LAVC is poised to be the first community college in California to create Cybersecurity and Network Support certificates that follows the Cybersecurity Model Curriculum for California Community Colleges and aligns with the National Institutes of Standards and Technology's (NIST) NICE Workforce Framework. This rigorous model curriculum ensures a high-quality education that meets national standards.

The project, led by Principal Investigator Mario Perez and Co-Principal Investigator Shirin Herrington, will develop two non-credit certificates and one credit certificate, with the non-credit certificates acting as a bridge to the credit certificate and allowing students to stack their learning. The certificates will serve as a foundational step for students to enter the workforce or continue their education towards an Associate of Science degree.

"This grant is a game-changer for our students and for the cybersecurity industry in the Los Angeles region," said Mario Perez, LAVC faculty member. "We are creating a clear, accessible path for individuals to gain the technical expertise required for high-paying, in-demand jobs. By collaborating closely with industry leaders, we will ensure our curriculum is directly aligned with employer needs."

A key component of the new program will be an apprenticeship program, providing students with structured on-the-job training coupled with classroom instruction to give them practical, real-world experience.

The grant will also fund recruitment efforts to attract high school and community college students to the cybersecurity program and raise awareness about these critical career opportunities.

"Congratulations to President Barry Gribbons and Los Angeles Valley College for receiving a valuable NSF federal grant to help students be prepared to enter the workforce as cybersecurity professionals," said Congresswoman Luz Rivas. "This highlights the growing need for serious, long-term investments in STEM education that allows students to see that a future career in STEM is possible and attainable. I look forward to working with President Gribbons and LA Valley College faculty members Mario Perez and Shirin Herrington to continue finding ways to strengthen STEM workforce pathways for students across the San Fernando Valley."

For more information, contact Mario Perez at @email.

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This work is supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation Grant No. 2500246. Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. National Science Foundation.